Why a Trump Presidency is a Step Backwards for Progression

by | Nov 9, 2016

Why a Trump Presidency is a Step Backwards for Progression

Why a Trump Presidency is a Step Backwards for Progression

For years, the fight for progression has strengthened and despite the continuous tragedies that still break the news every day, a future in which liberty may actually succeed seemed hopeful. But when a man who’s presidential campaign took pride and power in constantly belittling and tearing down minorities was victorious, a future of freedom and equality suddenly seems so much further away.

The comments made throughout the campaign were not hidden and they were not infrequent. The beliefs held by both Trump and Pence were not unknown by those who gave them their vote. Millions heard what was repeatedly said and made a conscious decision to vote for him anyway. To vote against black lives, hispanic lives, muslim lives, LGBTQ+ lives, women’s lives – the list only goes on.

Comments on the LGBTQ+ Community

  • Trump and Pence have both stated their desire to revoke the order that Obama signed which outlaws LGBT discrimination.
  • Trump said he would “strongly consider” repealing the legalisation of same sex marriage.

  • Pence signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This allows businesses to discriminate against members of the LGBT community due to religious beliefs.
  • Pence called being gay a “pathological condition”
  • They are both very anti-transgender and have opposed the implementation of transgender bathrooms.
  • Pence is in favour of conversion therapy.

This is only a select number of comments/beliefs held by Trump and Pence on the LGBTQ+ community. Whether or not any anti measures will be implemented is a nightmare that is impossible to think about. But, the fact that two men with these beliefs have been put into a position of power is all the more terrifying. What’s worse is that so many people still gave them their support. So, consider both the emotional and physical threat that puts on the community.

Comments on Women

  • He’s verbally attacked multiple women, for example Rosie O’Donnell.
  • The Apprentice contestants were rated on their looks and he constantly sexualised them.
  • He stated that because of his power, it was ok to “grab women by the p****”. He defended his remarks by saying it was simply locker room talk.
  • These remarks have been going on for more than 30 years. Don’t believe me? Take a look.

Sadly this list doesn’t even cover half of the comments made. But, continuing to write them all out only makes me more disheartened.  Again, the fact that so many people still voted for Trump after having heard all of this shows how present sexism still is. Even more sickening is the fact that 42% of women gave Trump their vote. This only expresses how normalised these opinions on women have become.

Racist Comments

  • Trump made claims that Obama’s birth certificate was fake.
  • Wants to build an actual wall on the southern border and force Mexico to pay for it, as you do.
  • He said that Mexicans are “bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime and they’re rapists”
  • WHITE SUPREMACISTS SUPPORT HIM.
  • Blames black people and Hispanics for American crime.
  • He wants to ban Muslims from entering the country.
  • He stated the immigration situation is “completely out of control”, putting the fear of being deported on thousands of families. If you don’t understand the gravity of this, please watch actress Diane Guerrero speak out about her experience:

I really could go on for hours about the countless occasions Donald Trump has made blatant homophobic, sexist, racist and xenophobic comments, but frankly it would take too long and would only darken the mood even more.

It truly is terrifying that we live in a world where someone can not only get away with such statements, but get so much support having made them all. Whether this was a “front” and will change is completely besides the point. He still said them. He was still supported.

Also, this election has proven that the freedom that so many hoped was coming has been ripped away. Undoubtedly, millions of minorities in America will live in fear of what each day will bring as a direct result of this. Not that threats were non-existent before, but now it’s been made all the more clear through what people have chosen to stand for.

Just think, if boys listen to Trump’s remarks and see him in a high position, it’s not criminalising his behaviour, it’s making it out to be almost acceptable.This then encouraging some to follow in his footsteps. The exact same goes for homophobia and racism. This may only be heightened now and more will think they can get away with it.

I could discuss what a more optimistic future we may have had if Clinton had have been elected, but that would be of little use now. Instead it’s important to continue to fight for progress and to campaign for equality, no matter what the circumstances. If in the face of this, we can continue to grow as a community and unite together in support, then that would be a win. Because nobody should feel a sense of isolation. Hopefully, hope will triumph fear and love will trump hate.

You’re still supported, you’re still loved and you are most certainly not alone.

Suicide Helpline 1-800-273-8255

Trevor Lifeline 866-488-7386

Trans Lifeline 877-565-8860

If you have any messages you’d like to add, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I would gladly add them to this post.

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